US at 250 Highlights Risks of Politicized Institutions for Israel's Democracy
The United States is marking 250 years of independence, a milestone celebrated with pride but also prompting deep reflection on its current societal challenges. Despite its historical leadership of the free world, America faces a crossroads: whether to return to its founding principles or continue on a path marked by social polarization, institutional distrust, and unprecedented culture wars. This crisis traces back to the cultural revolution of the 1960s, influenced by thinkers like Herbert Marcuse of the Frankfurt School, which shifted public discourse from economic class struggles to identity politics. This shift has led to increasing emphasis on a speaker's identity over the merit of their arguments, a development seen by supporters as correcting historical injustices but criticized by others as a departure from liberal traditions.
In recent years, institutions originally designed to be professional and neutral, such as universities, courts, bureaucracies, cultural bodies, and security agencies, have increasingly adopted ideological stances, transforming themselves into political actors. This politicization erodes public trust and deepens societal divisions. Donald Trump's rise is interpreted by many of his supporters as a backlash against institutions perceived as disconnected from the public they serve. His confrontations with universities, federal bureaucracy, and government agencies represent a broader struggle over who should govern: elected representatives or unelected institutions.
For Israel, the lesson is not to imitate or reject the American model wholesale but to recognize the heavy public cost when professional institutions become politicized. As Israel currently faces a profound constitutional and social crisis, its institutions risk losing neutrality and becoming partisan actors, undermining their legitimacy. Unlike the US, where progressive ideology heavily influenced institutions, Israel's challenge also stems from entrenched elites using institutional power to preserve their interests. Although the processes differ, the outcome is similar: institutions meant to serve the entire public are increasingly seen as political players.
The article stresses that Israel must prioritize restoring institutions to their original roles. In a democracy, elected bodies set values and policies, while professional institutions implement them impartially and lawfully. Democracies weaken not only when politicians accumulate excessive power but also when unelected institutions cease to serve the public and begin to lead it. America is still struggling to reverse this trend, and Israel must act before it becomes too late.
